Pomegranates May Improve Memory and Alleviate Alzheimer's Symptoms: Study
A recent study published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, explored urolithin A, a natural compound produced by gut bacteria when they process certain polyphenolic compounds found in pomegranates, in improving memory and alleviating Alzheimer's symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative brain disorder predominantly affecting individuals over the age of 65, is the leading cause of dementia in older adults.
Research suggests that the Mediterranean and MIND diets may offer protection against Alzheimer’s. These diets are characterized by lower intake of inflammatory saturated fats and sugars and higher consumption of vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Given that Alzheimer’s is linked to elevated oxidative stress, increasing antioxidant intake could be particularly beneficial. Antioxidants help counteract free radical damage, potentially reducing the impact of the disease.
Urolithin A has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, along with other potential benefits for brain health.
In the study conducted by researchers from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, the benefits of long-term urolithin A treatment in Alzheimer's disease were investigated. Utilizing three mouse models of Alzheimer's, the researchers combined urolithin A treatment with behavioral, electrophysiological, biochemical, and bioinformatic experiments.
After five months of treatment, the researchers observed significant improvements in memory, reduction of protein build-up, enhanced cell waste processing, and decreased DNA damage in the brains of the Alzheimer's mice. Additionally, key markers of brain inflammation were reduced, making the treated mice more comparable to healthy ones.
The results showed that urolithin A treatment lowered the excessive activity of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain. The researchers also suggested that urolithin A:
1. Reduces cathepsin Z, which is elevated in Alzheimer’s and could be a target for treatment
2. Decreases amyloid beta protein levels and inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s development
3. Promotes mitophagy, the cleaning out of damaged mitochondria, which is reduced in Alzheimer’s disease
4. The mitophagy effects of urolithin A may be similar to those seen with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) supplements in Alzheimer's disease.
The findings suggested that specifically, Urolithin A may help protect against cognitive decline by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and promoting the clearance of harmful proteins and damaged mitochondria from the brain.
Reference: Yujun Hou, Xixia Chu, Jae-Hyeon Park, Qing Zhu, Mansoor Hussain, Zhiquan Li, Helena Borland Madsen, Beimeng Yang, Yong Wei, Yue Wang; Urolithin A improves Alzheimer's disease cognition and restores mitophagy and lysosomal functions; Alzheimer’s & Dementia; https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.13847
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